SqwidNet, the licensed SIGFOX IoT network operator in South Africa, has on Wednesday, 25 April 2018, announced the launch of its new technology competition for university students across South Africa. The challenge will kick-off on 25 April, with entries being accepted until 25 July 2018.

This nationwide competition has been designed to challenge students to develop and create innovative projects focused on building solutions that make use of SqwidNet / SIGFOX technology. The applications of IoT have been seen in a number of industries and SqwidNet would like to see young South African minds using this technology to address African socio-economic problems.

According to Phathizwe Malinga, Acting CEO of SqwidNet, “statistics show that the IoT market opportunity for the Middle East and Africa region is poised to grow by 10% CAGR from $85.1 billion in 2017 to $114.4 billion by 2020. Meaning – the market is ripe with opportunities and these young students and graduates from across the country are welcome to submit the ideas for their projects focusing on environmental and animal protection, energy, health, transportation, and any other areas of sustainable development.”

All qualifying entries will be afforded the opportunity to have their designs seen by SqwidNet partners, with the possibility of commercialising successful solutions. In addition, SqwidNet will offer participants access to their entrepreneurship programme, (IOT)E. The participants will also be given the opportunity to register as a SIGFOX University Partner, which will give them access to dedicated content.

Winners will be announced on 01 August 2018, with the winning entry standing to win cash prizes for their team and institution faculty. The winners will also get a chance to present their design in IoT Valley in Toulouse, France. All participants will be provided with hardware and software development kits, free access to SqwidNet’s IoT network and API access, and mentoring /support both from SqwidNet’s South African team, in relation with the Sigfox Adoption & Evangelisation team.